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Event data recorders, commonly called “black boxes,” may be for mandatory 2015 model year cars.

Black boxes in cars likely to become standard: Privacy advocates, automakers, insurance companies all have a stake in potential legislation

December 17, 2012

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Most people are aware of event data recorders, commonly called “black boxes,” in airplanes. Many people don't realize a variety of passenger cars also have these devices -- and they may be mandatory for 2015 model year cars.

There are black boxes in about 96 percent of cars for the 2013 model year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. So having them in all cars isn't a big change, but along with that mandatory ruling will likely come some additional parameters for what data is collected and how it is shared. The details are what have civil-rights groups and some legislators concerned.

The use of black boxes in cars is not new. They've actually been in vehicles for more than 20 years as a way for automakers to access information about the car's movement and driver inputs right before a crash. The idea has been that the information would help determine if the car malfunctioned or if there was driver error.

While black boxes are not mandated in cars currently, there is a federal standard for the information that can be collected. Currently, the event-data recorders keep track of 15 different variables including how quickly the airbags deploy as well as the engine's speed and the car's overall speed. Also recorded are driver inputs, such as whether a seatbelt was worn, if the brakes were applied and how far the accelerator pedal was depressed.

The standards require that the devices capture data for up to two subsequent crashes after the initial impact and allow data download using commercially available equipment. The proposed standard calls for the collection of additional data about the driver's inputs, which has many privacy advocates up in arms.

Regardless of the data being collected, the information is typically considered to belong to the car owner or lessee, and, generally, the owner needs to give permission for its use, or there needs to be a warrant for the data to be released. Just the same, an attempt has already been made to use black-box data to prove driver negligence in court.

While additional debate over the privacy of the data is almost assured as the proposed new standard goes through approval channels, the data could be of great use to accident-reconstruction specialists. It could also help diagnose certain types of problems, leading to speedier recalls and improved overall vehicle safety.